Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, Manteo

4.2

#4 of 26 in Museums in Outer Banks

National Park · Historic Site

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Fort Raleigh National Historic Site preserves the location of Roanoke Colony, the first English settlement in the present-day United States. The site was preserved for its national significance in relation to the founding of the first English settlement in North America in 1587. The colony, which was promoted and backed by entrepreneurs led by Englishman Sir Walter Raleigh (ca. 1554–1618), failed sometime between 1587 and 1590 when supply ships failed to arrive on time. When next visited, the settlement was abandoned with no survivors found. The fate of the "Lost Colony" was a celebrated mystery, although most modern academic sources agree that the settlers likely assimilated into local indigenous tribes.

The historic site is off U.S. Highway 64 on the north end of Roanoke Island, North Carolina, about 3 miles (4.8 km) north of the town of Manteo. The visitor center's museum contains exhibits about the history of the English expeditions and colonies, the Roanoke Colony, and the island's Civil War history and Freedmen's Colony (1863-1867).

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Fort Raleigh National Historic Site reviews

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511 reviews

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4.6

By Lisa J

It was ok. I would guess there is more going on in the summer. The boat was cool and everyone stays in character when you are talking to them. We were the only ones there at the time so we got to...

It was ok. I would guess there is more going on in the summer. The boat was cool and everyone stays in character when you are talking to them. We were the only ones there at the time so we got to... more »
By Dewayne P

Upon arrival there is free parking, and the experience starts at the visitor's center. There they have a short film and some museum exhibits before hitting the trail to the old Fort Raleigh or just...

Upon arrival there is free parking, and the experience starts at the visitor's center. There they have a short film and some museum exhibits before hitting the trail to the old Fort Raleigh or just... more »
By Willow1223

Have always been intrigued by the Lost Colony and the story of Virginia Dare so had this spot on our must see list while visiting OBX. The Ranger presentation was excellent. About an hour long and..... more

Have always been intrigued by the Lost Colony and the story of Virginia Dare so had this spot on our must see list while visiting OBX. The Ranger presentation was excellent. About an hour long and..... more »

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By Susan Moore

Indian village needs some TLC. Rather run down. English settlement same. Best thing to see is the ship Elizabeth 2. Crew actors played their parts well. Responded to questions. The museum exhibit was child friendly and extensive. We watched the movie, Two Paths. Well done but theater too cold.

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By Heather Ryan

Outdoor adventures! All Free.. The Park Ranger we worked with was very kind and helpful. She kept our 4 kiddos involved in the Junior Ranger books helping to make sure they were learning. Our kids loved earning their badges from Fort Raleigh.. We enjoyed exploring and learning about our countries history at Fort Raleigh. Our children enjoyed the museum and video explaining what happened here at Fort Raleigh. We traveled here in November and missed the opportunity to see the "Lost Colony" performance at the amphitheater. The views standing at the top of the seating area towards the stage were breathtaking. The water was right behind the stage. Amazing. There are many monuments and teaching tools along the paths to help you understand what took place here. The Elizabethan Gardens are nearby but close at 4 and has an entrance fee. Might be worth checking out since close.

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By Brian Merzbach

Free historical site about the Lost Colony, a group of English people who made their way to this site in order to start a new life, but mysteriously disappeared. The visitor center tells the story via artifacts and a short film. During the summer months, a theatrical performance is done in the amphitheatre which overlooks the water. There are also some gardens available to look at, but these require an admission change.

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By Shanah Bell

We decided to check out this and the Elizabethan Gardens while we were still in the area. We didn't realize there was a fee for the Gardens, so we didn't actually enter, since there were 7 of us and our dog. But we did walk around the grounds outside and the Fort Raleigh area and explore a bit. Nice walking trails, informative signage and good public restrooms.

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By Rick Adkins

This would be a great place later into spring and Summer. Still a great place with the visitor center, video, and small exhibit. Nature trail is nice along with the garden. I'd really like to be here when they're putting on the Lost Colony performance.

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